Covid-19 vaccine and India Inc's gift of the jab

A part of India Inc is already helping the Union government in its fight against COVID 19 surge, most conspicuously in the government’s struggle to ensure oxygen supply to the gasping patients. Simultaneously, big companies are also funding the vaccination costs of their employees and family members.

The list contains some of the most prominent corporate houses in the country — TCS, Reliance, Infosys, SBI, etc.

Some of the leading Indian companies have already announced that they would bear the cost of administering the vaccine on the employees as well as their dependents.

TCS

According to reports, IT bellwether TCS will cover COVID-19 vaccine expenses for its employees and their family members. The company has about 4.6 lakh employees.

“Our employee wellbeing program, TCS Cares, enabled emotional support to ensure holistic care. We remain committed to the wellbeing and care of all our associates & their families and this will continue in the vaccination phase as well,” said a TCS spokesperson.

RIL

Reliance Industries recently sent a letter to its employees stating that it will cover the vaccination cost of the employees along with their spouses, parents, and children. RIL has 1.96 lakh employees.

“Reliance will bear the full cost of vaccination for you, your spouse, your parents, and vaccine-eligible children. You and your family’s safety and well-being is our responsibility. Mukesh and I truly believe that cherishing the health and happiness of our loved ones is what it means to be part of a family – the Reliance Family,” said group chairperson and founder of Reliance Foundation Nita Ambani.

Accenture

IT major Accenture has also announced that it will cover the vaccination expenses of its employees who are enrolled under Accenture’s medical benefits plan. Accenture has 2.01 lakh employees.

The global IT giant will be taking care of COVID-19 vaccine costs for its Indian employees and their dependents eligible to take the vaccine, confirmed Rekha M Menon, chairperson, and senior managing director, Accenture India.

Infosys

Infosys has also decided to bear the vaccination cost for its employees and their immediate family members. This Bengaluru-based company has 2.42 lakh employees.

According to reports, Infosys will support their employees in getting vaccinated as per the approved timelines by the Indian government, said Pravin Rao, COO, Infosys.

SBI and SBI General Insurance

SBI and SBI General Insurance has made a commitment to the well-being of its people by sponsoring the cost of vaccination for its agents and POSPs. The vaccination is extended to all advisors who have remained active with SBI General since March Year 2020 and are eligible for vaccination under the government’s current norms.

The number of SBI employees is 2.52 lakh.

“At SBIG, we have always kept ‘people’ at the center of everything that we do. The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for businesses and people across the world. Through this initiative, we aim to honour our channel partners – agents & POSPs and encourage them to get vaccinated at the earliest to protect themselves and their immediate family members.” said PC Kandpal, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance.

Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel Ltd will bear the cost of vaccination for its employees and their dependent family members. This telecom major has 18,000 employees.

According to an internal communication, all employees of Bharti Airtel have been told that the cost will be borne by the company as per the eligibility criteria of the government.

Companies such as Cognizant, Capgemini (1.2 lakh), RPG Group (30,000), ICICI Bank (85,000) have also announced the immunisation plans for employees and their dependents.